Method for treating an asthma attack

Abstract

A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.

1. A method for increasing a diameter of a temporary, reversible, and acutely constricted airway in a lung, the method comprising:
 transferring a sufficient amount of energy to a wall of a temporary, reversible, and acutely constricted airway in a lung such that a diameter of the constricted airway increases. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy is performed when the airway is at least partially or wholly constricted. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises structurally changing the airway wall to debulk smooth muscle of the airway. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises reducing an inflammatory response of the airway. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises altering an ability of smooth muscle of the airway to contact. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises damaging nerve tissue of the airway. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises permanently or temporarily increasing the diameter of the airway. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises transferring energy such that a temperature of the airway is in an range between 55° C. to 80° C. for up to 20 seconds. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises transferring between 8 Watts to 30 Watts of power for up to 10 seconds. 
     
     
       10. A method for treating a patient undergoing a temporary, reversible asthma attack, the method comprising:
 transferring a sufficient amount of energy to a wall of a constricted airway in a lung to alter the airway wall in such a manner that a resistance to airflow of the constricted airway is decreased. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy is performed when the airway is at least partially or wholly constricted. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises permanently or temporarily increasing a diameter of the airway. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 10 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises structurally changing the airway wall to debulk smooth muscle of the airway. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 10 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises reducing an inflammatory response of the airway. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 10 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises altering an ability of smooth muscle of the airway to contract. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 10 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises damaging nerve tissue of the airway. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 10 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises transferring energy such that a temperature of the airway wall is in an range between 55° C. to 80° C. for up to 20 seconds. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 10 , wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises transferring between 8 Watts to 30 Watts of power for up to 10 seconds.